Geography glossary

GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROP

the placing of a gene from one organism into another so that the latter can take on a quality of the former that it doesn otherwise have. Thus organisms can be modified to grow larger, faster etc. or to be made immune to certain diseases. Currently highly controversial. Proponents see a wealth of agricultural, nutritional and medicinal problems solved this way. Those against warn of the unknown side effects for the environment and our bodies.